“Seeking Responses in Times of Uncertainty”
The
first years of the new millennium do not seem to have lived up to the promises made at the close of
the old by the prophets of unrestricted growth and guaranteed prosperity. Those who believed in a redefinition
of the fundamental laws of economics and development policy even if, at times, “à contrecoeur” have
seen their hopes dashed, and have been brought back to reality in the truest sense of the word.
During
the years of technology- and fantasy-driven surges in value creation, structural problems within the
major Western and Far Eastern economies were not tackled with sufficient energy too much comfort was
to be derived from the immediate, short-term economic figures, which did not indicate a need for intervention.
The supposed new realities often served to dull even the experienced view of entrepreneurial common
sense and accountability. Excess,
a blindness to risk and a self-perpetuating spiral
of expectations
led numerous companies, and indeed entire sectors, up a blind alley. Economic fact could no longer keep
pace with an excessive boldness of vision. The financial markets which only a short time previously
had seemed to be the compass and motor of a new economy are now lost in the search for new maxims, and
can only contribute falteringly to a much-needed redefinition of their role and responsibility. Collapsed
confidence is a burden not only to them, but also to all sectors of economic activity.
The
capitalist system sees itself confronted with fundamental questions, and the words and deeds of its
protagonists do not always seem able to provide even a logical response. The geopolitical situation
is also marked by insecurity and uncertainty. The problematic side of globalisation is proving to be
of unprecedented complexity and frightening clarity.
Even
when loudly and emphatically expressed, spontaneous and straightforward answers can rarely do justice
to the multi-faceted questions of our time questions that deserve closer inspection: deeper analysis,
critical reflection and conscious, definite action are every bit as urgent as a responsible attempt,
also in this crisis, to recognise the opportunity.
The
33rd St. Gallen Symposium would like to offer a neutral platform for a constructive debate on our current
economic
(macro and microeconomic) and political situation. We call upon our participants to make a considered
response and enter into a discussion that goes beyond the realms of culture and generation. In so doing,
political and social questions on the global agenda should receive the same attention as questions about
entrepreneurial action on all economic, social and political levels.
